SPRINGFIELD—A plan to fund numerous construction projects throughout the state passed through the Senate today.
State Senator Elgie R. Sims Jr., a Chicago Democrat, supported the comprehensive infrastructure plan that totals more than $45 billion.
“This is a meaningful investment in communities throughout Illinois,” Sims said. “Modernizing the state’s infrastructure will solve many safety and traffic issues while spurring economic growth by creating jobs.”
The last major capital plan was in 2009. The current measure will fund a variety of different projects, including fixing 2,300 bridges, renovations at community colleges and road construction.
Capital investments are as follows:
|
Program |
Funding |
Percentage |
|
Roads and bridges |
$33.2 billion |
74% |
|
Education |
$3.4 billion |
8% |
|
State facilities |
$4 billion |
10% |
|
Environment and conservation |
$1.1 billion |
3% |
|
Broadband deployment |
$420 million |
1% |
|
Health care and human services |
$465 million |
1% |
|
Economic and community development projects |
$1.8 billion |
4% |
“It is completely unacceptable that we’ve closed down bridges because of safety concerns, such as the busy Lake Shore Bridge near my district,” Sims said. “After hosting a town hall on this issue, I know we are addressing some of my constituents’ key concerns, including $33 million for renovations at Chicago State University and $150 million for an airport in the South Suburbs.”
The capital plan is set to head to the governor’s desk for approval.
